Unfamiliarity with motorcycle blamed in fatal crash

In this Dec. 29, 2012 file photo, Florida Highway Patrol Cpl. Leslie Weber photographs the motorcycle that Maria Lu Ausua-Vega was riding when she struck the side of Hope Fernandez's home. The motorcyclist died following the crash.

Published: Tuesday, February 5, 2013 at 4:14 p.m.

Last Modified: Tuesday, February 5, 2013 at 4:14 p.m.

OCALA – A Florida Highway Patrol investigation found that a woman's unfamiliarity with her new motorcycle contributed to a fatal crash in late December when she careened off a street and struck a house in Silver Springs Shores.

Maria Luz Vega-Ausua, 20, died of head injuries at Ocala Regional Medical Center on Jan. 3, five days after the crash. An autopsy determined the probable cause of death was complications from blunt trauma to her head.

Cpl. Leslie Weber, an FHP traffic homicide investigator, noted in her report that, based on damage to the front wheel of the 2002 Yamaha YZ85, the speed was between 20 mph to 35 mph. The speed limit on the roadway was 35 mph.

The woman, Weber said, was familiar with the route and area and was out on a leisurely ride on Dec. 29 on the motorcycle she had received as a gift a few days earlier.

Troopers said the woman was headed in a northeasterly direction on Pine Course in Silver Springs Shores. As she approached the Cedar Road intersection, the motorcycle traveled through the intersection, left the roadway and struck a brick home.

<p>OCALA – A Florida Highway Patrol investigation found that a woman's unfamiliarity with her new motorcycle contributed to a fatal crash in late December when she careened off a street and struck a house in Silver Springs Shores.</p><p>Maria Luz Vega-Ausua, 20, died of head injuries at Ocala Regional Medical Center on Jan. 3, five days after the crash. An autopsy determined the probable cause of death was complications from blunt trauma to her head.</p><p>Cpl. Leslie Weber, an FHP traffic homicide investigator, noted in her report that, based on damage to the front wheel of the 2002 Yamaha YZ85, the speed was between 20 mph to 35 mph. The speed limit on the roadway was 35 mph.</p><p>The woman, Weber said, was familiar with the route and area and was out on a leisurely ride on Dec. 29 on the motorcycle she had received as a gift a few days earlier.</p><p>Troopers said the woman was headed in a northeasterly direction on Pine Course in Silver Springs Shores. As she approached the Cedar Road intersection, the motorcycle traveled through the intersection, left the roadway and struck a brick home.</p><p>She was not wearing a helmet, authorities said.</p><p>Officials said toxicology results are not yet back from the lab.</p>